ELIJAH WOOD has never really been one to pick nasty film roles - apart from Kevin in Robert Rodriguez's Sin City.

However, his turn as Frank in Franck Khalfoun's Maniac - a remake of William Lustig's 1980 cult hit - is one that will make many sit up and take notice.

Wood plays the central figure, Frank, and we're introduced to his sordid and brutal ways right from the off. You see, he likes to pick certain women, kill them and then scalp them.

When he meets French artist Anna (Nora Arnezeder), she enlists his help with an exhibition she's planning at her boyfriend's gallery. However, Frank is soon mentally unravelling and his killings escalate as he attempts to deal with the demons of his past that are shaping his future.

The first thing you'll notice with Maniac is the style in which it has been shot. All in first person perspective, we see and experience things through the eyes of our protagonist. It may seem novel, but it' can be quite jarring on occasion - especially during the very violent murder scenes. It's a gimmick that may appeal to some, but it wears thin quickly and the conceit isn't consistent with some shots just not working.

Being the owner of a mannequin store, Frank's obsessive and murderous traits are, at first, somewhat ambiguous but soon we discover just what's behind it. Flashbacks to a childhood where he's the main focus of his doting mother make it clear has let loose a long-repressed compulsion. While his 'selection process' may seem random at first, there's a method to his madness.

Wood is simply fantastic as Frank. With his big blue eyes and that innocent face, it makes his act all the more chilling. Listening to him vocalise this thoughts as he stalks his prey like a wild, yet calculated, animal will make the hair on the back of your neck stand on end. There's a feeling of dread every time you realise he's on the hunt. His ability to remain chameleon-like is also very unnerving. It puts Anna at ease as she is unaware of his extra-curricular activity.

This is a career-high performance from Wood in a film that is unflinchingly brutal in its depiction of murder. Nothing is taboo and the scalping in particular are very graphic.

Arnezeder, on the other hand, provides a calm balance to Wood's psycho. Warm and affectionate, her being unaware only helps to put her further in danger as Frank's mental state begins to worsen. She the subtle antithesis to her counterpart's ferocity.

Khalfoun has crafted a visceral horror that will disgust just as many as it will delight. One sequence involving a dancer and a game of cat and mouse from the subways to a parking lot is nerve-shredding. The madness and mayhem all plays out to a quite stunning soundtrack from French composer Rob. It's an 80s-tinged work of synth and electronica brilliance that evokes John Carpenter and Goblin.

Maniac may not be perfect, but it's a ferocious and savage rollercoaster ride worth seeking out.